Kansas Looks to Ban Obscenity in Novels, Plays and Books Taught in Schools

Given my science background, I am an avid follower of all debates evolutionary. The state of Kansas has long been on my radar as one of the great offenders. It appears now that science teachers aren't the only ones in trouble. English teachers, you're next!

A bill was recommended for approval that would limit a legal protection for elementary and secondary teachers from laws governing obscene materials. Here is an excerpt from the article Bill Could Put Limits on Book Choices.

Supporters of the bill said there is potential harm to minors in being exposed to obscenity or pornography in novels, plays, books and films.

But State Board of Education Chairman Bill Wagnon, D-Topeka, whose district includes Lawrence, opposed the bill, saying local school districts — not the Legislature — should handle any conflict about literature.

“We need to protect the classroom from those kind of intrusions,” Wagnon said.

If this bill passes, I imagine that books like The Scarlet Letter, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Catcher in the Rye and many other standard and important works will no longer be part of the curriculum. Won't that be a sad day?